March 21, 2011 9:54 am
If you've ever been to Latin America, it's hard to ignore the allure of the traditional panaderias, especially when they release sweet aromas of breads and pastries into the surrounding area. One particular item that you can find in any panaderia is a form of dulce de leche inside many pastries. Dulce de leche is a decadent caramel-like sauce made of milk. It's thick, gooey, and irresistible. A common place to find dulce de leche is inside a pionono, a typical sponge cake.
All Latin countries tend to specialize in their own version of the pionono, and one particularly delicious version is the traditional Argentinean pionono that can be found at Alma 33, an Argentinean restaurant in the West Village. Alma 33's pionono created by Chef Enrico Primarti, is a traditional version of the cake with a simple twist that brings the cake to an entirely new level. On top of the pionono swirled with dulce de leche are strawberries marinated in red wine. The cake is light and refreshing, while still containing a rich flavor that makes it totally satisfying. Although Chef Enrico was not traditionally trained as a pastry chef, it's hard to deny his talent after tasting his version of the Argentinean Pionono.
Tip: By following Chef Enrico Primarti's recipe, you can make Argentinean Pionono at home.
Photo credit: Alma 33
— Written by Valerie Cario
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Tags : Argentina, pionono, strawberries, red wine, dulce de leche, spongecake, Enrico Primarti, Valerie Cario
February 14, 2011 8:05 am
In the days before Viagra and supplemental enhancers, people had to seek other alternatives for aphrodisiacs. The alternatives they found to be most effective were in food. The word aphrodisiac comes from the beautiful Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love and sex. From before the time of Cleopatra, people have eaten aphrodisiac rich foods to enhance their sexual stamina. Today we know that certain foods such as dark chocolate, avocados, oysters, red wine, and strawberries actually release chemicals in the body that can affect our hormones and energy, directly impacting our libido. This Valentine's Day, instead of eating a heavy meal that makes you just curl up and go to sleep, choose foods that will make your night more exciting and last longer.
Avocados, named by the Spanish conquistadors who could not pronounce the Aztec word "ahuacaleâ" not only loved the taste of this fruit, but also noticed peaks of sexual desire when it came to the Native Aztecs. In fact Montezuma, the Aztec king, had a form of guacamole prepared for him every night.
It's no coincidence that people give chocolate for Valentine's Day, but just make sure it's dark chocolate. Dark chocolate contains serotonin that lowers stress and releases phenlethylamine, responsible for changing blood pressure and blood-sugar levels that result in making people very excited.
Strawberries make the aphrodisiac list not only because they look like little red hearts, but because people used to think that all the seeds represented fertility. In truth, the vitamins and minerals aid in increasing your immune system keeping your inner fire burning.
Oysters are a romantic dinner option for a reason. They are loaded with zinc, which does wonders for the male libido, not to mention fertility (be careful with this one).
Red Wine can pair perfectly with your Valentine's Day meal and is more than just good for your heart; it can also relax your inhibitions. Keep in mind that all alcohol can do this, so make sure you don't end up getting sloppy by drinking too much.
Photo credit: smarter.com
— Written by Valerie Cario
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Tags : aphrodisiacs, Aphrodite, avocado, red wine, dark chocolate, oysters
November 18, 2010 9:00 am
Get ready everyone... it's that time of year again! The much anticipated event I am referring to is that long awaited third Thursday in November when the French government allows the recently bottled Beaujolais Nouveaus to be released. This year, we'll be sipping Georges Duboeuf's fresh and fruity 2010 vintage as an aperitif or as a partner to grilled fish or earthy soups. Duboeuf's Beaujolais Nouveau is light on the palate, and contains hints of strawberry, peach and grapefruit.
Made from 100% Gamay, Beaujolais Nouveau gets its fresh, light taste from carbonic maceration, which involves fermenting whole, uncrushed berries. This produces a light-bodied, low-tannin wine that is ready for immediate drinking (which is why many white wine drinkers tend to enjoy Beaujolais Nouveau because of its refreshing taste). Some even enjoy paring this wine with turkey at their Thanksgiving dinner.
Tip: Drink the 2010 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau slightly chilled to enhance its natural fruity flavors and aromas.
Photo credit: makeitknownpr.com
— Written by Valerie Cario
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Tags : Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau, red wine
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